Operator
The cruise line runs the salon.
Not us. The casino belongs to the ship like the restaurant and the theatre; staff, rules, limits and opening hours are set by the cruise line under the law of the flag state.
The evening on board · explained factually
A room of the ship, with its own rules.
What you should know about the casino on board before you book: who gets in, when it is open, what it costs – and what Swiss law says about it.
Entry
From 18, with ID.
Entry is checked at the door – regardless of your booking having been confirmed long ago. On ships departing from US ports the minimum age may be 21.
Opening
Only on the open sea.
In port and in territorial waters the salon stays closed. Routes with sea days mean longer opening hours; the times are in the daily programme.
Money
Onboard cashier, not the fare.
Stakes are paid in EUR or USD through the onboard cashier or the cruise card. We do not arrange gaming credit and state casino availability separately from the fare.
Limit
Your limit, before you enter.
Table limits are displayed. Your personal limit for money and time is set beforehand – and treated as final.
An evening in four steps
Dinner. ID. Limit. Leave.
- Before the evening
Set budget and time. Both apply.
- At the door
Show ID, ask about currency, fees and limits.
- At the table
Take breaks. Never raise a limit to make up a loss.
- Afterwards
End the session, go on deck or to the cabin. The voyage continues.
Swiss law, in brief
What the Gambling Act means for guests on board.
The Federal Act on Gambling (BGS) applies in Switzerland; licences and permits have effect only within the country (Art. 4 BGS). Casinos on cruise ships are subject to the law of the flag state and supervision there – not the Swiss Federal Gaming Board (ESBK).
Lago al Mare is a travel agency. We arrange cruises and describe the casino as a ship amenity, just as we describe the spa or the theatre. There is no gambling, no stakes, no deposits and no gaming accounts on this website.
Minors are not admitted (Art. 72 BGS and cruise-line practice: 18+). An exclusion order under Art. 80 BGS does not automatically apply on board. Anyone excluded should avoid the salon; on request we advise you entirely without casino references.
Winnings from gambling abroad may be taxable in Switzerland. Ask your cantonal tax administration or a professional – we do not give tax advice.
SOS Spielsucht · 0800 040 080 · Player protection
Games